Christian Kleiser

I offer low-cost sessions for individuals through the Full Circle Program at Design Your Life Centre. I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, burnout, and perfectionism. I work with clients to develop a more compassionate understanding of themselves and their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that reflects their authentic self and values. My approach is rooted in humanistic and person-centred principles, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded presence to my work. I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences and emotions and to supporting you, with patience and genuine belief in your capacity to change, as you work toward the life you want to lead.

Hi, I’m Clare. I’m a graduate student currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Before entering the counselling realm, I earned an honours degree in Anthropology from McMaster University, where my love for understanding what shapes us as human beings really developed. I believe everyone’s story is unique and worthy of being held with care. However you choose to arrive and whatever you’re navigating, I’m here to offer a non-judgemental space where you can show up exactly as you are, without pressure to be anyone but yourself. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), adjusting to align with each client’s unique needs and lived experiences. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness and whole‑person wellness when it supports the work we’re doing together. Above all, my priority is to create an environment where you feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported as we explore what matters most to you.

I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and have several years of experience working within community mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing challenges related to substance use, homelessness, depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma, and systemic barriers. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the resilience and strength individuals demonstrate while navigating difficult life circumstances. My work has shaped a compassionate and client-centred approach that is rooted in empathy, respect, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity. I understand how trauma, chronic stress, and experiences of marginalization can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being. Because of this, I am committed to creating a supportive, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and healing. I take a holistic and strengths-based approach to counselling, recognizing that every person brings unique experiences, abilities, and inner resources to the therapeutic process. I believe in working collaboratively with clients, allowing them to guide their journey while supporting them in developing practical coping tools, building resilience, and fostering greater self-awareness. My goal is to help individuals enhance their emotional well-being, improve their quality of life, and create sustainable, positive change.

Some wounds don’t show on the surface but shape everything underneath. I support individuals exploring identity, relationships, and the lasting effects of painful or complex family dynamics. For many, this can include the impact of cultural or generational histories, immigration, or early experiences that continue to influence how we relate, cope, and make decisions today. As an international, transracial adoptee, I bring both lived experience and clinical grounding, offering space to slow down, reflect, and begin with compassion and collaboration. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I adopt a trauma-informed, client-centred approach. Together, we’ll identify patterns, challenge limiting beliefs with compassion, build emotional awareness, and develop a treatment plan that reflects your needs and lived experience.